Titanium dioxide asphalt compositions

ABSTRACT

This invention provides, among other things, an asphalt-based sealcoat composition comprising high levels of titanium oxide particles. In some embodiments, the invention also provides a highly solar reflective asphalt-based sealcoat composition comprising high levels of titanium oxide particles. In some embodiments, the invention provides an asphalt-based sealcoat composition capable of reducing pollutants comprising high levels of titanium oxide particles. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for preparing asphalt-based sealcoat compositions as well as their application to asphalt surfaces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.62/608,881 entitled “Titanium Dioxide Asphalt Compositions,” filed Dec.21, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to asphalt-based sealcoat compositions comprisingtitanium oxide (TiO₂) particles.

BACKGROUND

The technology to which the invention is directed relates to a sealerused for asphalt substrates, such as a sealer for asphalt of the typeemployed extensively throughout the United States. Pavement technologyhas developed a series of asphalt coating compositions. Many of theasphalt compositions have been applied to asphalt, sometimes as aprotective coating and sometimes as a re-cover system. Such asphaltmixtures have little or no reflectivity in that they are typically blackin color, are not solar reflective, do not reduce surface temperatures,and do not reduce pollutants.

However, it has been found that conventional dark pavements rapidlyincrease in temperature when exposed to sunlight because they absorb80-95% of the sunlight and significantly contribute to the creation ofheat islands. Heat islands are built up areas that are hotter thannearby rural areas. For example, the annual mean air temperature of acity with one million people or more can be 1.8-5.4° F. (1-3° C.) warmerthan its surroundings. In the evening, the difference can be as high as22° F. (12° C.). Heat islands can affect communities by increasingsummertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution andgreenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality, and waterquality. According to Akbari et al. hot pavements aggravate urban heatislands by warming the local air, and contribute to global warming byradiating heat into the atmosphere as pavements can aggravate urban heatislands because they comprise about one third of urban surfaces (AkbariH, Rose L S, Taha H. 1999. Characterizing the fabric of the urbanenvironment: A case study of Sacramento, Calif. Lawrence BerkeleyNational Laboratory). Moreover, hot pavement can also raise thetemperature of storm water runoff, which can cause additional negativeimpacts. Thus there exists a real need for lowering asphalt surfacetemperatures.

In addition, vehicles traveling on asphalt surfaces have been known toproduce significant levels of pollutants. While pollutants have longbeen known to have a negative environmental impact, photocatalytic aircleaning has also been shown to remove pollutants including nitrogenoxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polluted urbanair, and, consequently, for reducing concentrations of toxic andirritating ozone, a key constituent of smog that forms on hot, sunnydays.

Thus, there is a need for novel high-performance asphalt-based sealcoatcompositions that are highly solar reflective, reduce surfacetemperatures, and reduce pollutants via photocatalytic reactions.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a novel high-performance asphalt-basedsealcoat compositions comprising titanium oxide (TiO₂) particles. Insome embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition that is highly solar reflective. In someembodiments, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-based sealcoatcomposition that is capable of reducing surface temperatures of asphalttreated with the asphalt-based sealcoat composition relative to asphaltnot treated with asphalt-based sealcoat composition. In someembodiments, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-based sealcoatcomposition that is capable of reducing pollutants.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition comprising an asphalt emulsion, water, a polymeremulsion, clay, and titanium oxide (TiO₂) particles, where the TiO₂ ispresent in the composition in an amount of about 30.5% to about 45% byweight.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition comprising an asphalt emulsion, water, sand, apolymer emulsion, clay, and TiO₂ particles, where the TiO₂ is present inthe composition in an amount of about 20.5% to about 60% by weight.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition comprising an asphalt emulsion, water, an extender,a polymer emulsion, clay, and TiO₂ particles, where the TiO₂ is presentin the composition in an amount of about 20.5% to about 60% by weight.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition that is highly solar reflective. In someembodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat has a SR (Solar Reflectivity)number of between about 0.10 and about 0.45. In some embodiments, theasphalt-based sealcoat of the present disclosure has a SR # of fromabout 0.30 to about 0.34. In some embodiments, the asphalt-basedsealcoat of the present disclosure has a SRI (Solar Reflective Index) #from about 10 to about 60.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition that reduces pollutants. In some embodiments, theasphalt-based sealcoat composition reduces atmospheric pollutantsincluding an amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organiccompounds (VOC) via photocatalytic reactions. In some embodiments, theasphalt-based sealcoat composition is highly solar reflective andreduces asphalt surface temperatures and pollutants. In someembodiments, the titanium dioxide acts as a catalyst, reacting withnitrogen oxides and other pollutants to chemically alter them intonon-hazardous or less hazardous materials through photocatalyticoxidation (PCO) and/or reduction reaction.

The present technology relates primarily to the treatment of any asphaltsurface including roads, playgrounds, parks, parking lots, driveways,residential areas, schools, bike paths, and LEED-certified buildingprojects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Definitions and Abbreviations

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an”, and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,reference to “an active agent” includes a single active agent as well astwo or more different active agents in combination. It is to beunderstood that present teaching is not limited to the specific dosageforms, carriers, or the like, disclosed herein and as such may vary.

The abbreviations used herein generally have their conventional meaningand are readily appreciated by those skilled in the art

The terms “Solar Reflectivity” “reflectance” and “R” refer to theability of a material to reflect solar energy from its surface back intothe atmosphere. The SR value is a number from 0 to 1.0. A value of 0indicates that the material absorbs all solar energy and a value of 1.0indicates total reflectance.

The terms “Solar Reflectance Index” and “SRI” refer to the index usedfor compliance with LEED requirements and is calculated according toASTM E 1980 using values for reflectance and emissivity. Emissivity is amaterial's ability to release absorbed energy.

II. Introduction

The present disclosure provides novel compositions. The novelcompositions, as well as formulations containing such compositions orcombinations of these compositions, can be used for, among other things,treating an asphalt surface.

III. Asphalt-Based Sealcoat Composition

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition. In anexemplary embodiment, the invention is a composition described herein.In an exemplary embodiment, the invention is a composition according toa formula described herein.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition comprising an asphalt emulsion, water, a polymeremulsion, clay, and titanium oxide (TiO₂) particles, where the TiO₂ ispresent in the composition in an amount of about 30.5% to about 45% byweight. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides anasphalt-based sealcoat composition comprising an asphalt emulsion,water, sand, a polymer emulsion, clay, and TiO₂ particles, where theTiO₂ particles are present in the composition in an amount of about20.5% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the presentdisclosure provides an asphalt-based sealcoat composition comprising anasphalt emulsion, water, an extender, a polymer emulsion, clay, and TiO₂particles, where the TiO₂ particles are present in the composition in anamount of about 20.5% to about 60% by weight.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to composition comprisinga CSS-1h asphalt emulsion present in the composition an amount of about23.2%, and in which water is present in the amount of about 22.1% byweight, sand (e.g., #200 sand) is present in an amount of about 10.4% byweight, a polymer emulsion (e.g., acrylic latex) is present in an amountof about 5.8% by weight, clay (e.g., bentonite clay) is present in anamount of about 4.1% by weight, fiber (e.g., #425 fiber, recycled paper)is present in an amount of about 1.1% by weight, biocide is present inan amount of about 0.3% by weight, and TiO₂ is present in an amount ofabout 33.0% by weight.

Example Asphalt Composition Preparation

Titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion is prepared by forming aslurry. The slurry comprises between 75 percent to 85 percent water byweight, between 1 percent to six percent by weight fiber, and between 10percent and 20 percent by weight clay. This slurry is used as a startingpoint to make the titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion. To theslurry is added a mixture of ingredients such that the final amount ofthe slurry after addition of these ingredients is between 20 percent and30 percent by weight. One such ingredient added to the slurry is TiO₂,such that the final composition of TiO₂ in the product by weight afterall ingredients are added is between 31 percent to about 40 percent byweight. Another such ingredient that is added to the slurry is sand,such that the final composition of sand in the product by weight afterall ingredients are added is between 5 percent and 20 percent by weight.After the TiO₂ and sand have been thoroughly mixed into the slurry,additional ingredients are added including oil, latex, polymer emulsionand additional water such that the composition of the titanium dioxidepigmented asphalt emulsion includes between 5 percent and 40 percent oil(asphalt, e.g., CSS-1h), and between 4 percent and 20 percent by weightpolymer emulsion. The disclosed compositions can be made usingcomparable methods.

Titanium Oxide

In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles are present in the compositionin an amount of from about 31% to about 40% by weight. In someembodiments, the TiO₂ particles are present in an amount of from about32% to about 38% by weight. In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles arepresent in an amount of from about 32.5% to about 36% by weight. In someembodiments, the TiO₂ particles are present in an amount of about 33.0%by weight. In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles are present in anamount of from about 33% to about 35.5% by weight. In some embodiments,TiO₂ particles are present in an amount of from about 33.5% to about 35%by weight. In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles are present in anamount of from about 34% to about 35% by weight. In some embodiments,the titanium oxide (TiO₂) particles are present in an amount of fromabout 21% to about 80% by weight. In some embodiments, the titaniumoxide (TiO₂) particles are present in an amount of from about 21% toabout 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles are presentin an amount of from about 25% to about 50% by weight. In someembodiments, the TiO₂ particles are present in an amount of from about25% to about 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles arepresent in an amount of from about 30% to about 35% by weight. In someembodiments, the TiO₂ particles are present in an amount of from about33.0% to about 34.0% by weight.

In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles comprise an anatase powder formof TiO₂. In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles comprise a brookitepowder form of TiO₂. In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particles comprise arutile powder form of TiO₂. In some embodiments, the TiO₂ particlescomprise anatase powder form of TiO₂, a brookite powder form of TiO₂, arutile powder form of TiO₂, or any mixture of any combination thereof.

Asphalt

In some embodiments, the asphalt emulsion is present in an amount offrom about 5% to about 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the asphaltemulsion is present in an amount of from about 10% to about 35% byweight. In some embodiments, the asphalt emulsion is present in anamount of from about 15% to about 30% by weight. In some embodiments,the asphalt emulsion is present in an amount of from about 15% to about25% by weight. In some embodiments, the asphalt emulsion is present inan amount of from about 20% to about 24% by weight. In some embodiments,the asphalt emulsion is present in an amount of about 23.2% by weight.In some embodiments, the asphalt emulsion is selected from the groupconsisting of CSS-1h, CSS-1, SS-1h, SS-1, clay-based emulsions, or anymixture thereof.

Water

In some embodiments, the water is present in an amount of from about 15%to about 45% by weight. In some embodiments, the water is present in anamount of from about 18% to about 35% by weight. In some embodiments,the water is present in an amount of from about 20% to about 30% byweight. In some embodiments, the water is present in an amount of fromabout 21% to about 25% by weight. In some embodiments, the water ispresent in an amount of about 22.1% by weight.

Polymer Emulsion

In some embodiments, the polymer emulsion is present in an amount offrom about 1% to about 35% by weight. In some embodiments, the polymeremulsion is present in an amount of from about 2% to about 30% byweight. In some embodiments, the polymer emulsion is present in anamount of from about 3% to about 25% by weight. In some embodiments, thepolymer emulsion is present in an amount of from about 4% to about 20%by weight. In some embodiments, the polymer emulsion is present in anamount of from about 4.5% to about 15% by weight. In some embodiments,the polymer emulsion is present in an amount of from about 5% to about10% by weight. In some embodiments, the polymer emulsion is present inan amount of from about 5.5% to about 8% by weight. In some embodiments,the polymer emulsion is present in an amount of about 5.8% by weight.

In some embodiments, the polymer emulsion comprises an acrylic polymer,a styrene acrylic, vinyl acetate ethylene, a styrene-butadiene copolymerresin (SBR), a polyvinyl acetate, or a mixture thereof. In someembodiments, the polymer emulsion comprises acrylic latex, polyurethane,SBR (styrene-buladiene rubber), SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene),polychloroprene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate ether, polyvinylalcohols, parboxylic acid, synthetic Rubber, natural rubber, recycledtire rubber, LDP (low density polyethylene), ECA (ethaline vinylacetate), nitrile latex, DuPont Elvaloy Polymer Modifier, or any mixturethereof.

In some embodiments, the polymer emulsion introduced as a polymer latexor water-borne polymer as a component separate and independent from theasphalt.

By way of example, in some embodiments the polymer emulsion comprisesformaldehyde (<0.05 percent by weight), styrene butadiene polymer (17-29percent by weight), vinyl acetate (<0.05 percent by weight), acrylicpolymer (28-48 percent by weight), less than 0.05 percent ammonia byweight, and between 47 and 53 percent water by weight.

Clay

In some embodiments, the clay is present in an amount of from about 1%to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the clay is present in anamount of from about 2% to about 8% by weight. In some embodiments, theclay is present in an amount of from about 3% to about 6% by weight. Insome embodiments, the clay is present in an amount of from about 4% toabout 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the clay is present in anamount of about 4.1% by weight.

In some embodiments, the clay is selected from the group consisting ofbentonite clay, ball clay, fire clay, sepiolite clay, illite,montmorillonite, hawthorn clay, American colloid clay, hickory clay,Lincoln clay, or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the clay isBentonite clay.

Sand

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises sand present inan amount of about 5% to about 20% by weight. In some embodiments, thesand is present in an amount of from about 8% to about 15% by weight. Insome embodiments, the sand is present in an amount of from about 9% toabout 12% by weight. In some embodiments, the sand is present in anamount of about 10.4% by weight.

In some embodiments, the sand has a particle size mesh from about 16 toabout 300. In some embodiments, the sand has a particle size mesh fromabout 30 to about 280. In some embodiments, the sand has a particle sizemesh from about 60 to about 260. In some embodiments, the sand has aparticle size mesh from about 80 to about 240. In some embodiments, thesand has a particle size mesh from about 100 to about 220. In someembodiments, the sand has a particle size mesh of about 200.

Extenders

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an extender. Insome embodiments, the extender is present in an amount of from about 1%to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the extender is present inan amount of from about 2% to about 8% by weight. In some embodiments,the extender is present in an amount of from about 3% to about 6% byweight. In some embodiments, the extender is present in an amount offrom about 4% to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the extenderis present in an amount of about 4.1% by weight.

In some embodiments, the extender is selected from the group consistingof marble white, granulated calcium carbonate, kaolin, and kaolinite,imerys talcs, Grace SYLOWHITE™, Burgess Pigment Company kaolins, or anymixture thereof. In some embodiments, the extender is marble white.

Fiber

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises fiber present inan amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, thefiber is present in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight.In some embodiments, the fiber is present in an amount of from about0.9% to about 2% by weight. In some embodiments, the fiber is present inan amount of about 1.1% by weight. In some embodiments, the fiber isrecycled paper.

Aggregates

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an aggregatepresent in an amount of about 0.1% to about 25% by weight. In someembodiments, the aggregate is present in an amount of from about 0.5% toabout 20% by weight. In some embodiments, the aggregate is present in anamount of from about 0.9% to about 15% by weight. In some embodiments,the aggregate is present in an amount of about 1.1% by weight.

In some embodiments, the aggregate is selected from the group consistingof slate, baghouse fines (rock dust), fly ash, silica sand, calciumcarbonite, clay, paper fiber, fiberglass fiber, limestone aggregate,copper slag, recycled roofing shingles, granite aggregate, ground tirerubber, ground up tennis balls, recycled cardboard, recycled glass, woodchips, wood fiber, scrabbled stone, pumice, basaltic aggregate, perlite,vermiculite, marble white, or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments,the aggregate is slate.

Biocide

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises biocide. In someembodiments, the biocide is present in an amount of from about 0.01% toabout 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the biocide is present in anamount of from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight. In some embodiments,the biocide is present in an amount of about 0.3% by weight.

IV. Reflectance of Asphalt-Based Sealcoat Composition

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition that is highly solar reflective. In someembodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat has a SR (Solar Reflectivity)number of from about 0.10 to about 0.45. In some embodiments, theasphalt-based sealcoat has a SR # of from about 0.20 to about 0.40. Insome embodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat has a SR # of from about0.25 to about 0.35. In some embodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat hasa SR # of from about 0.30 to about 0.34. In some embodiments, theasphalt-based sealcoat has a SR (Solar Reflectivity) # of 0.33. In someembodiments, asphalt-based sealcoat has a SRI (Solar Reflective Index) #from about 10 to about 60. In some embodiments, the asphalt-basedsealcoat has a SRI # from about 15 to about 50. In some embodiments, theasphalt-based sealcoat has a SRI # from about 20 to about 40. In someembodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat has a SRI # from about 25 toabout 35. In some embodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat has a SRI # ofabout 29.

In some embodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat composition reducessurface temperatures of asphalt treated with the asphalt-based sealcoatcomposition compared to asphalt not treated with asphalt-based sealcoatcomposition.

In some embodiments, the reflectance of the asphalt-based sealcoatcomposition is determined using a pyrometer at different times of dayover a two-month period according to ASTM E1918-16, Standard Test Methodfor Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low-Sloped Surfaces inthe Field, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa., 2016,www.astm.org. Due to the varying position and angle of the sun duringthese times, this allows measurements of multiple different areas withintest sections of the asphalt-based sealcoat composition.

In some embodiments, the reflectance and thermal emissivity of theasphalt-based sealcoat composition is determined by subjecting a core ofa section of the composition to ASTM C 1549 (ASTM C1549-16, “StandardTest Method for Determination of Solar Reflectance Near AmbientTemperature Using a Portable Solar Reflectometer,” ASTM International,West Conshohocken, Pa., 2016, www.astm.org) and ASTM C1371 (ASTMC1371-15, “Standard Test Method for Determination of Emittance ofMaterials Near Room Temperature Using Portable Emissometers,” ASTMInternational, West Conshohocken, Pa., 2015, www.astm.org),respectively. SRI values can then be calculated according to ASTME1980-11 (“Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index ofHorizontal and Low-Sloped Opaque Surfaces,” ASTM International, WestConshohocken, Pa., 2001, www.astm.org).

V. Reducing Atmospheric Pollutants with an Asphalt-Based SealcoatComposition

It has been found that titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles can absorbthe ultraviolet component of sunlight, acting as a catalyst to formreactive hydroxyl (OH) radicals in the presence of atmospheric moisture.These radicals have been found to oxidize and destroy most pollutantmolecules.

The present technology, in some embodiments, is a method of reducingnitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and otherpollutants by an asphalt-based sealcoat composition comprising highlevels of titanium oxide particles. The titanium oxide particles forminga photocatalytic layer within the asphalt surface that oxidizes NOx andother pollutants when the treated asphalt surface is exposed toultraviolet sunlight and airborne H₂O molecules. This process chemicallyalters the aforementioned pollutants, rendering them non-hazardous tothe environment.

TiO₂ is a semiconductor material that when exposed to ultraviolet (UV)radiation, as from sunlight, expels an electron from the valence band tothe conduction band, leaving behind a positively charged hole. In thepresence of water, as in atmospheric humidity, these positively chargedholes create hydroxyl radicals as shown:

OH⁻+h⁺→*OH

The hydroxyl radicals in turn oxidize nitrogen oxides as follows:

NO+*OH→NO₂+H+

NO₂+*OH→NO₃—+H+

Other reactive effects occur with volatile organic compounds (VOC) andsome other pollutants. Since TiO₂ functions as a catalyst and is notconsumed in the reaction, the photocatalytic effect continues. If theTiO₂ is in place at the surface of an asphalt roadway, it removes asignificant quantity of NOx and VOCs from the environment nearest theirsource.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an asphalt-basedsealcoat composition that reduces pollutants. In some embodiments, theasphalt-based sealcoat composition reduces atmospheric pollutantsincluding an amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organiccompounds (VOC). In some embodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoatcomposition is highly solar reflective and reduces asphalt surfacetemperatures and pollutants. In some embodiments, the asphalt-basedsealcoat composition has a SR (Solar Reflectivity) # of 0.33, andreduces asphalt surface temperatures and pollutants.

In some embodiments, the titanium dioxide can act as a catalyst, whichreacts with nitrogen oxides and other pollutants to chemically alterthem into non-hazardous or less hazardous materials throughphotocatalytic oxidation (PCO) and/or reduction reaction.

In some embodiments, the techniques disclosed in Berdahl and Akbari,2008, “Evaluation of Titanium Dioxide as a Photocatalyst for RemovingAir Pollutants,” California Energy Commission, PIER Energy-RelatedEnvironmental Research Program, CEC-500-2007-112, the references citedtherein, and the appendices thereof, can be used to determine the amountby which the compositions of the present disclosure can reduce airpollutants such as nitrogen oxide.

VI. Method of Treating Asphalt Surface with an Asphalt-Based SealcoatComposition

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method fortreating an asphalt surface, the method comprising: applying an amountof an asphalt-based sealcoat composition to an upper surface of theasphalt surface. In some embodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoatcomposition is diluted with 1% to 50% additional water at the time ofapplication. In some embodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat compositionis diluted with 10% to 30% additional water at the time of application.In some embodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat composition is dilutedwith 15% to 25% additional water at the time of application. In someembodiments, the asphalt-based sealcoat composition is diluted with 20%additional water at the time of application.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples illustrate the synthesis of representativecompounds used in the invention and the following Reference Examplesillustrate the synthesis of intermediates in their preparation. Theseexamples are not intended, nor are they to be construed, as limiting thescope of the invention. It will be clear that the invention may bepracticed otherwise than as particularly described herein. Numerousmodifications and variations of the invention are possible in view ofthe teachings herein and, therefore, are within the scope of theinvention.

In the examples below, unless otherwise indicated, all temperatures areset forth in degrees Celsius and all parts and percentages are byweight. Reagents may be purchased from commercial suppliers, and may beused without further purification unless otherwise indicated. Reagentsmay also be prepared following standard literature procedures known tothose skilled in the art. Solvents may be purchased from commercialsuppliers, and may be used as received unless otherwise indicated. Allsolvents may be purified using standard methods known to those skilledin the art, unless otherwise indicated.

Starting materials used were either available from commercial sources orprepared according to literature procedures and had experimental data inaccordance with those reported.

Example 1

Preparation of the Asphalt Compositions in Accordance with the PresentDisclosure.

Coolseal—UP 7814.

A batch of titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion entitled batch“Coolseal UP 7814” was prepared by forming 37,010 pounds of a slurry ina vertical high sheer mixer. The slurry consisted of 3,532 gallons ofwater, 1,588 pounds of fiber, and 6,004 pounds of clay. A total of12,390 pounds (1,332 gallons) of this slurry was then used as a startingpoint to make the titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion. To the12,390 pounds of slurry was added 17,139 pounds of TiO₂ and 3,545 poundsof sand. After thorough mixing, 11,568 pounds (1,389 gallons) of oil(CSS), 3,184 pounds (375 gallons) of latex (Avicor), 943 pounds (118gallons) of polymer emulsion (UP7814), and 1,479 pounds (178 gallons) ofadditional water were added, resulting in a batch of 50,248 pounds oftitanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion. The composition of thebatch by weight was about 22.59 percent water, 1.06 percent fiber, 4.01percent clay, 34.18 percent TiO₂, 7.07 percent sand, 23.07 percent oil(CSS), 6.35 percent latex (Avicor), and 1.88 percent polymer emulsion(UP7814).

Rose Paving.

A batch of titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion entitled batch“Rose Paving” was prepared by forming 37,008 pounds of a slurry in avertical high sheer mixer. The slurry consisted of 3,531 gallons ofwater, 1,588 pounds of fiber, and 6,003 pounds of clay. A total of12,638 pounds (1,359 gallons) of this slurry was then used as a startingpoint to make the titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion. To the12,638 pounds of slurry was added 16,339 pounds of TiO₂ and 5,125 poundsof sand. After thorough mixing, 11,469 pounds (1,377 gallons) of oil(CSS), 3,576 pounds (421 gallons) of latex (Etonis 142), and 1,003pounds (120 gallons) of additional water were added, resulting in abatch of 50,150 pounds of titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion.The composition of the batch by weight was 22.03 percent water, 1.08percent fiber, 4.09 percent clay, 32.58 percent TiO₂, 10.22 percentsand, 22.87 percent oil (CSS), and 7.13 percent latex (Etonis 142).

Batch GT-102.

A batch of titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion entitled batch“GT-102” was prepared by forming 37,008 pounds of a slurry in a verticalhigh sheer mixer. The slurry consisted of 3,531 gallons of water, 1,588pounds of fiber, and 6,003 pounds of clay. A total of 1,890 pounds (203gallons) of this slurry was then used as a starting point to make thetitanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion. To the 1,890 pounds ofslurry was added 2,444 pounds of TiO₂ and 767 pounds of sand. Afterthorough mixing, 1,715 pounds (206 gallons) of oil (CSS), 535 pounds (63gallons) of latex (Etonis 142), and 150 pounds (18 gallons) ofadditional water were added, resulting in a batch of 7,500 pounds oftitanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion. The composition of thebatch by weight was 22.03 percent water, 1.08 percent fiber, 4.09percent clay, 32.58 percent TiO₂, 10.22 percent sand, 22.87 percent oil(CSS), and 7.13 percent latex (Etonis 142).

Batch Coolseal 2.

A batch of titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion entitled batch“Coolseal 2” was prepared by forming 37,014 pounds of a slurry in avertical high sheer mixer. The slurry consisted of 3,765 gallons ofwater, 751 pounds of fiber, and 4,893 pounds of clay (sepiolite). Atotal of 12,081 pounds (1,299 gallons) of this slurry was then used as astarting point to make the titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion.To the 12,081 pounds of slurry was added 17,206 pounds of TiO₂ and 3546pounds of sand. After thorough mixing, 11,775 pounds (1,414 gallons) ofoil (CSS), 3,867 pounds of latex (Etonis 142), and 1,535 pounds (184gallons) of additional water were added, resulting in a batch of 50,010pounds of titanium dioxide pigmented asphalt emulsion. The compositionof the batch by weight was about 23.47 percent water, 0.49 percentfiber, 3.18 percent clay, 34.31 percent TiO₂, 7.07 percent sand, 23.48percent oil (CSS), and 7.71 percent latex (Etonis 142).

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein arefor illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changesin light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and areto be included within the spirit and purview of this application andscope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patentapplications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety for all purposes.

1. An asphalt-based sealcoat composition comprising an asphalt emulsion,water, a polymer emulsion, clay, and titanium oxide (TiO₂) particlespresent in an amount of about 30.5% to about 45% by weight.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the TiO₂ particles are present in anamount of from about 31% to about 40% by weight.
 3. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the TiO₂ particles are present in an amount of fromabout 32% to about 38% by weight.
 4. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe asphalt emulsion is present in an amount of from about 5% to about40% by weight.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the asphaltemulsion is present in an amount of from about 20% to about 24% byweight.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the asphalt emulsion isselected from the group consisting of CSS-1h, CSS-1, SS-1h, SS-1, andclay-based emulsions, or a mixture thereof.
 7. The composition of claim1, wherein the water is present in an amount of from about 15% to about45% by weight.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water ispresent in an amount of from about 20% to about 30% by weight.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the polymer emulsion is present in anamount of from about 4% to about 20% by weight.
 10. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the polymer emulsion is present in an amount of fromabout 5.5% to about 8% by weight.
 11. The composition of claim 1,wherein the polymer emulsion is selected from the group consisting ofacrylic latex, polyurethane, SBR (styrene-buladiene rubber), SBS(styrene-butadiene-styrene), polychloroprene, polyvinyl acetate,polyvinyl acetate ether, polyvinyl alcohols, parboxylic acid, syntheticRubber, natural rubber, recycled tire rubber, LDP (low densitypolyethylene), ECA (ethaline vinyl acetate), nitrile latex, DuPontElvaloy Polymer Modifier, or a mixture thereof.
 12. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the polymer emulsion comprises acrylic latex.
 13. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the clay is present in an amount of fromabout 1% to about 10% by weight.
 14. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe clay is present in an amount of from about 3% to about 6% by weight.15. The composition of claim 1, further comprising sand present in anamount of about 5% to about 20% by weight.
 16. The composition of claim15, wherein the sand has a particle size mesh from about 16 to about300.
 17. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an extenderpresent in an amount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight.
 18. Thecomposition of claim 17, wherein the extender is present in an amount offrom about 2% to about 8% by weight.
 19. The composition of claim 17,wherein the extender is marble white, granulated calcium carbonate,kaolin, and kaolinite, imerys talcs, Grace SYLOWHITE™, Burgess PigmentCompany kaolins, or any mixture thereof.
 20. The composition of claim 1,further comprising a fiber present in an amount of about 0.1% to about5% by weight.
 21. The composition of claim 20, wherein the fiber ispresent in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight.
 22. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising an aggregate present in anamount of about 0.1% to about 25% by weight.
 23. The composition ofclaim 22, wherein the aggregate is slate, baghouse fines (rock dust),fly ash, silica sand, calcium carbonite, clay, paper fiber, fiberglassfiber, limestone aggregate, copper slag, recycled roofing shingles,granite aggregate, ground tire rubber, ground up tennis balls, recycledcardboard, recycled glass, wood chips, wood fiber, scrabbled stone,pumice, basaltic aggregate, perlite, vermiculite, marble white, or anycombination thereof.
 24. The composition of claim 1, further comprisingbiocide present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight.25. The composition of claim 1, wherein the asphalt emulsion is presentin an amount of about 23.2% CSS-1h asphalt emulsion, water is present inthe amount of about 22.1% by weight, #200 sand is present in an amountof about 10.4% by weight, polymer emulsion comprising acrylic latex ispresent in an amount of about 5.8% by weight, bentonite clay is presentin an amount of about 4.1% by weight, #425 fiber (recycled paper) ispresent in an amount of about 1.1% by weight, biocide is present in anamount of about 0.3% by weight, and TiO₂ is present in an amount ofbetween about 32.0% and 34.5% by weight.
 26. The composition of claim 1,wherein the asphalt-based sealcoat has a SR (Solar Reflectivity) # offrom about 0.25 to about 0.35.
 27. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe asphalt-based sealcoat has a SRI # from about 20 to about
 40. 28.The composition of claim 1, wherein the asphalt-based sealcoatcomposition reduces surface temperatures of asphalt treated with theasphalt-based sealcoat composition compared to asphalt not treated withasphalt-based sealcoat composition.
 29. The composition of claim 1,wherein the asphalt-based sealcoat composition reduces atmosphericpollutants including an amount of nitrogen oxides (NO_(x)) and volatileorganic compounds (VOC) via one or more photocatalytic reactions.
 30. Amethod for treating an asphalt surface, the method comprising: applyingan amount of an asphalt-based sealcoat composition of claim 1 to anupper surface of the asphalt surface, wherein at the time of applicationthe asphalt-based sealcoat composition is diluted with 1% to 50%additional water